Betty Bloomer Ford Cancer Program

Click here to learn about our Cancer + Wellness pilot program for cancer patients/survivors. This free, 12-week program offers holistic nutrition information and yoga in a supportive community environment. Sign up now for Sessions 3 and 4, beginning July 13.

Cancer. It’s one of the scariest words in the English language, and it’s a disease that impacts us all. We’re greatly encouraged by the growing number of survivors. The American Cancer Society reports the number of cancer survivors in the United States is expected to increase from 14.5 million in 2015 to 19 million in 2024.

But you’re more than a number. At the Betty Bloomer Ford Cancer Rehabilitation Program, we understand that as a cancer survivor, you want to get on with your life. You’re also facing a unique set of challenges, and you’re not alone. Many cancer survivors have physical, cognitive or emotional impairments that may interfere with their return to life as normal. Our program rehabilitates cancer patients who have medically complex conditions from the cancer, its treatment or both. We also treat patients who are so weak they’re unable to care for themselves.

The Betty Bloomer Ford Cancer Rehabilitation Program works with you to manage the impact of your cancer and its treatment, whether you’re in our inpatient program or are receiving therapy through our outpatient or home or community programs. Your customized plan of care will include education, exercises, therapeutic techniques and other resources to help you live as fully as possible.

Vigorous rehabilitation after cancer has been shown to lead to faster and better patient outcomes. We focus on helping you regain and maintain functioning in all aspects, from muscle strength to hand-eye coordination, improved cognitive function (memory, organizational skills, etc.) and much more. In short, we help you make the quality of your life the best it can be no matter where you are on your cancer journey.

Our care isn’t confined to you. We know the lives of your family and friends are also significantly affected by your cancer. These individuals are an integral part of your treatment team. They will receive support and education, so they can be an important part of your recovery.

You may be wondering about our name. In 1974, when former First Lady Betty Ford underwent a mastectomy and spoke publicly about it, she literally changed the world by her candor. In a similar pioneering spirit, Mary Free Bed is part of the nationally-emerging medical subspecialty of cancer rehabilitation.

Our program is named to honor Betty Ford not only for her groundbreaking cancer efforts but also to recognize her mother, Hortense Neahr Bloomer. Both women held leadership positions in the Mary Free Bed Guild which governs our hospital.

Why Mary Free Bed?

It’s your right to choose where you receive cancer rehabilitation services. Why “Ask for Mary?”

• We’re the first designated and comprehensive cancer rehabilitation program in West Michigan. Team members are invited to present our treatment protocols to other healthcare professionals nationally and internationally.

• The track records of patients’ successful outcomes and satisfaction speaks for itself.

• We work collaboratively with your physicians to promote continuity of care and effective communication. We also have a team of physician consultants available to meet your special care needs.

• Mary Free Bed is proud of its leadership role in — and contributions to — the work of the Michigan Cancer Consortium (MCC). The MCC is a statewide coalition that promotes collaboration and innovation to improve cancer prevention, cancer control and survivorship care.

of Adult Inpatients

Mary Free Bed Moments

“He was doing something he enjoyed, which is why he could stand for so long,” said recreational therapist Steve Wheeler, who asked patient (and former Pentagon barber) Chuck Bifulco for a haircut. “My goal was to help him gain confidence and realize he could still do something he loves. That’s what rec therapy is all about.”

Chuck Bifulco, Scottville, Mich.

Want to Stay Connected?

Follow us on Facebook, or any of our social media links on the very bottom of the site.